Thoughts by Katherine Kehler | Thoughts About God

Broken Relationships

Thoughts_About_God — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 08:03:42 +0000

“I want to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering” Philippians 3:10

How are you doing today?

Is everything going great, or are you struggling with a broken relationship? Or perhaps you have an incurable disease – maybe something worse.

Some parts of our life’s journey are painful. Recently, the Lord gave me an insight into suffering that I would like to share with you. It was very helpful to me.

God is faithful – and will walk with us each step of the journey.

I had an experience that was very painful. I found that even though I had long forgiven the people involved, painful memories kept coming back. I asked the Lord about this,

“How can I stop those memories from coming back?”

He reminded me of the verse in Philippians,

“I want to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering.”

He told me to thank Him for the horrid experience because through this experience, I had the privilege of “the fellowship of Christ’s suffering.”

I was getting to know Him in a deeper way – in a way I wouldn’t have if I had not gone through this.

We often pray for the power of His resurrection, but do we ever pray for the fellowship of His suffering? Jesus our Master said we could expect trouble if we follow Him. We shouldn’t be surprised!

Father, we want to know You. Thank You for reminding me about the “fellowship of His suffering.” Thank You for the painful times in life. Thank You for walking with us each step of the way. Amen

by Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

FURTHER READING

More thoughts from Katherine

The Exceeding Greatness of His Power

“Thine is the Power”

Transforming Power

The post Broken Relationships appeared first on Thoughts About God.

How to Spend a Day with the Lord

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 07:03:34 +0000

If you have never tried it, I encourage you to make it a regular practice to spend a day with the Lord.

Usually our days are filled with the demands of life crying for our attention, but today, whether for four, eight or 12 hours, your only priority is to be with your Lord, to bask in His love, to thank and worship Him, to listen to Him, to intercede for others, to lay your life and activities before Him and let Him give directions.

The Bible promises us in James 4:8,

“Come near to God and He will come near to you.”

He is waiting for you! Don’t rush. The objective is to spend relaxed, uninterrupted time with God, not to go through a format. These are mere guidelines. Let God be your guide.

Preparation

Find a place where you can be alone and free from distractions.
Bring your Bible, a notebook and pen, a hymn book, song sheets or cassette tapes.

Thanksgiving and Praise

Begin with Thanksgiving
Psalm 100:4 tells us, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.”
a. Thank Him for His patience and forgiveness.
b. Thank Him for the privilege of coming into His presence.
c. Thank Him for what He has done in and through your life in the last year.

Make a List
Take time to list what God has done for you.
Be specific.
Think through every area of your life.

Search My Heart
Ask God to search your heart. Psalm 139:23,24

Confess any sins the Holy Spirit reveals. Psalm 19:12
Remember the certainty of forgiveness. 1 John 1:9
Make certain you are walking and praying in the Spirit. Ephesians 5:15-20

Become Still
Become still before the Lord. Psalm 46:10

Consider who God is. Psalm 103
Praise Him for His attributes. Psalm 145
Rejoice in your fellowship with Him and that He delights in you. Proverbs 15:8
Read passages of scripture and pray them back to God. Psalms 146-150
Sing to the Lord.

Revelation
Ask God to reveal the world to you from His point of view as you read. Psalm 33

Intercession
Pray your way around the world with unhurried, detailed intercession for others.

Begin with your non-Christians, friends, relatives, neighbours and others the Lord puts on your heart.
Pray for those in authority – federal, provincial and municipal government leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1,2
Pray for Christians using Paul’s prayers in Philippians 1, Colossians 1, Ephesians 1 and 3.

“By intercessory prayer we can hold off Satan from other lives and give the Holy Ghost a chance with them. No wonder Jesus put such tremendous emphasis on prayer!” -Oswald Chambers

Personal Life Evaluation

Ask for understanding as you read an entire book of the Bible. Record insights God gives you.

Inquire of God what He thinks of your life and wait. Listen for His answer.

Evaluate the use of the time, talent, treasure, education and experience God has entrusted to you. Are they glorifying to God? Do you need to modify some of them?

Discuss with the Lord your joys, your sorrows and decisions you are facing. Find promises and directives in the Bible which you can record.

“The greatest answer to prayer is that I am brought into a perfect understanding with God, and that alters my view of actual things.”
~Oswald Chambers

Concluding Your Day with God

Praise and thank God for the fellowship you had today.

Schedule the next “Day with the Lord” in your appointment book.

Share with someone about your day.

by Katherine Kehler
used by permission

FURTHER READING

How to Have a ‘Quiet Time’ with God

Quiet Time with God is like a Date Night – by Max Lucado

How to Pray

The post How to Spend a Day with the Lord appeared first on Thoughts About God.

God is Bigger than All My Problems

admin — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 07:03:18 +0000

‘And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Yesterday, God put a song in my mind — a song that I had not sung for quite a while. The first line of the chorus is, “God is bigger than all my problems.” The song reminded me of an e-mail I received from an African woman last week. She has given me permission to share it with you.

“I, Florida Boatman, was born into a Christian home and received Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal Saviour when I was old enough to attend Sunday school. However my relationship with Christ was a very formal one. When I say formal, I mean I saw God as strict and not understanding.

“As a teenager, I found out that I never liked who I was. I had been abused on so many occasions by people and friends I had trusted. I felt like dying because there was no way God would look at me and want me. But I was wrong.

“One day a friend of mine broke my heart when he betrayed my trust by violating my body and then disgraced me by telling everyone about what he had done to me. I felt so much pain that I couldn’t take it anymore. I cried out to God and asked him why it had to happen to me. Even questioning God was a bit unfamiliar to me. Suddenly a memory verse came to my mind, John 15:7. ‘But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted.” Wow!

“Immediately I wrote Him a letter, asking Him for the healing of my heart and rededication of my life to him. Nothing happened instantly, but I woke up the next day feeling new and fresh and happy as never before. My heart was made so whole that I even forgave my friend who betrayed me. Glory be to God.

“My life has changed completely ever since. Now whenever I am faced with a challenge. I don’t sit and cry like I used to, I command it to move in the name of Jesus Christ and it surely does. Now I have no doubt that I am more than a conqueror in Christ. Those around me have also seen this peace and joy in me and ask me about it every day.”

God is bigger than all our problems!

Lord, I thank You that You are much bigger than any of our problems. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
used by permission

Are you ready to ask the Holy Spirit to direct your life? Why not pray this simple prayer right now and by faith invite God to fill you with His Spirit:

Dear Father, I need you. I acknowledge that I have sinned against you by directing my own life. I thank you that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I pray this in the name of Jesus. As an expression of my faith, I thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Learn more about how the Holy Spirit can be your helper

FURTHER READING

Jesus is Always There!
How Big is God?
Father God’s Intimate Love Letter to You

The post God is Bigger than All My Problems appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Your Life is the Only Bible Some People Read

admin — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 07:03:50 +0000

“Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that hinders, slows us down or holds us back” Hebrews 12:1

Last month Marianne wrote about an interesting experience she had regarding people watching us. This true story illustrates the importance of a steady uncompromising walk with God. She wrote:

“I was reminded of a day I heard a knock at my front door. When I opened it, there stood our mailman whom I had never seen since our box was down our long driveway. In a trembling voice he asked, ‘Will you pray with me? I know you are a Christian because of the Christian magazines I deliver to your box each month. I need prayer very badly.’”

I stepped outside on the porch and prayed with him, invited him to church and encouraged him to come back when my husband was home.

After he left, I bowed my head and prayed, ‘Father, thank You that our mailman has never had to deliver anything to our mailbox that would reflect badly on our testimony to You. Keep our lives and our mailbox pure from ungodliness, I pray.’”

What a good reminder to realize not only are “men of faith” watching, but also people with weak or no faith. Someone said, “Our life may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” What are they reading in my life and actions today? What are they reading in yours?

Father, we want to glorify You in all we do and say. Thank You that Your Holy Spirit will remind us and give us the strength to walk uncompromisingly with You. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
used by permission

Wisdom and Knowledge

Devotionals — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 07:03:13 +0000

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.” 1 Corinthians 3:19

During my Bible reading, I reflected on how little any one person knows and how limited one person’s wisdom is.

Each of us has insights, knowledge, and wisdom, but the scope is usually fairly narrow and limited to our sphere of influence and knowledge—our world. We are good at what we do and have gained wisdom and knowledge regarding our special interests and experience. But if we were suddenly placed in a new, unfamiliar position or found ourselves in a foreign city unable to speak the language, not knowing how to find a bathroom, we quickly become aware of limitations. Our knowledge and experience will not help us. We need someone to help us.

When we consider the eight billion people in the world – each having wisdom and knowledge about life in their world – we realize how little wisdom each of us as individuals possesses. Compared to God–next to zero!

Now then, think about the wisdom of God. He knows everything and is all-wise. Even if we compiled all the wisdom and knowledge of everyone in the world and measured it against God’s wisdom, it would still be almost nothing.

Also, when we realize that everything we know and everything we have comes from God, we cannot think ourselves wise, but only be humbled before Him.

Remember the “wise advice” Job’s friends gave him when he had lost everything? They thought they were very wise. Job himself questioned God about why this disaster happened to him. God was not impressed by any of them. (Read Job 38 to 41)

What is wisdom? The Bible tells us,

“The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7).

What is knowledge? Some translations of the Bible say,

“The fear the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” (Proverbs 1:7)

When we begin to recognize that our life is about God, not about us – that is the beginning of wisdom.

How do we get more wisdom?

One way is to read God’s Word and to learn from Him.

“Nothing is perfect except your words. Oh, I how I think about them all day long. They make me wiser than my enemies, because they are my constant guide. They make me even wiser than the aged” (Psalms 119:96-100).

Fear God. Know God by reading His word and obey the insights and directions He gives you.

Have you come to the place in your spiritual journey where you recognize that you want the God of all wisdom to be your guide from now on?

If you have, here is a suggested prayer of invitation..

Jesus I know I have been living life independent of you. I invite you into my life to forgive my sins, be with me each day and to guide me. Thank you for your love, forgiveness and eternal life. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Heavenly Wisdom

Seeking the Source of Sound Wisdom

Beginning of Wisdom

The post Wisdom and Knowledge appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Knowing God

Devotionals — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 07:06:48 +0000

“The people who know their God will be strong and do great exploits” Daniel 11:32

When the Lord began to open my eyes to the importance of knowing God, I started to study His attributes and His names. I learned many great truths about God and was tremendously blessed. One of the things I learned was that according to the Westminster catechism, our main reason for being alive is to “glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”

About that time in my spiritual journey, God sent a young man to live with us for several months. He talked a lot about enjoying God. Following his example, I began to make it a habit to enjoy my relationship with God. I invited Him into every part of my day, not just when I had my quiet time.

Gradually, I began to change. Instead of my relationship with God consisting of me just asking for things, I began to discuss everything with Him. I began thanking Him everywhere — while driving, walking, working, or shopping — anytime, anywhere. Talking to God all day long became a habit — a good habit.

I now enjoy my relationship with God. How about you?

Father, what a privilege to know that You delight in our fellowship — that You are actually waiting for us to come to You. What deep, deep satisfaction You give. Thank You so much for the privilege of knowing You. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
used by permission

Further Reading

The Only Totally Fair Judge!

God is GOOD

The post Knowing God appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Perspective

Devotionals — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 07:06:13 +0000

“Jesus replied, ‘The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God; serve only Him“ Luke 4:8

I had spent much of the week cleaning. It was very hot. We were having a group of people over for a barbecue. Because of the heat, it seemed better to serve the food in the garage rather than on the hot sundeck. So I washed the walls, washed the floor and painted it.

It did look a lot better – clean and pleasant and cool. But it took a lot more time than I expected. Just to take everything out of the garage, sort it all and put it back was a mammoth job.

On Saturday, as I was sweeping the sundeck and sidewalks, I began to wonder if all the work was worth the few hours they would be here. These thoughts came to me:

“Whatever you do, do it as unto me” and “Whatever you have done unto the least of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me.”

So I decided to focus on the fact that Christ was my guest that night. For some reason, I was suddenly motivated to set the tables more carefully and make sure the table centerpieces looked prettier. When the guests arrived, I greeted them with much more enthusiasm.

Perspective! Christ was at the barbecue that night – in the lives of each one of the people who came.

Lord Jesus, You came to serve and not to be served. And we are to have the exact same attitude. Sometimes I forget. I get tired of serving and I become self-centered. Forgive me, Lord. Burn into my heart and mind the realization that I am serving You no matter what the job is or who the people are. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

A Better Perspective

From God’s Perspective

The post Perspective appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Gentle and Humble

Devotionals — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 07:06:21 +0000

“. . . I am gentle and humble . . .” Matthew 11:29

One of the first devotionals in J. I. Packer’s Knowing God Through the Year uses the above verse.

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

My eyes stopped when I read, “gentle and humble.” I began to consider what I read.

Here is the Creator of all things — the God Almighty, the God who knows everything and is all wise, the One who is holy, the Ruler Supreme — telling us that He is gentle and humble, and that we will find rest for our souls if we come to Him.

You would think He would say, “Hey you, don’t you know how important I am? I don’t have time for you, I am too busy.” But He didn’t. He said, “Come to Me.” Wow!

The greatest leader, and He is gentle and humble. How many people do you know who invite you to come to them? How many leaders do you know, who, after they have become powerful, display gentleness and humility?

And then we must ask ourselves the question, “Am I gentle and humble?” Do people feel peaceful in my company?

A gentle spirit is something we cannot produce in ourselves. But the Holy Spirit produces “love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness” and much more. Why not ask the Holy Spirit to be in control of your life from now on and He will change your to be the person you want to be.

Here is a prayer for you:

“Dear Father, I need You. I acknowledge that I have been directing my own life and that, as a result, I have sinned against You. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I now thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit.”

If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

God is my Delight

What a Friend we have in Jesus

Father God’s Intimate Love Letter to You

The post Gentle and Humble appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Some Days Are Like That

Thoughts_About_God — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:06:34 +0000

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love and fit into his plan.” Romans 8:28

Our son and his family were coming from Northern Alberta to spend a week with us. Four of those days the whole family (all 17 of us) were going to vacation at a resort at Whistler Mountain for a family time. We were looking forward to the activities together: cousins playing together, hiking, bike riding and shopping. Mostly we were looking forward to the time together at the end of the day spent eating and talking.

It was a time of celebration. A new grandson, one grandchild turned 18, one couple was celebrating their 25th anniversary and Marvin and I were celebrating our 65th birthdays.

But the day after our son and his family arrived, Sarah, their four-year-old daughter, fell while getting off the trampoline and broke her arm. So the first day of their vacation was spent at the hospital. After that, her activities were very limited but the older cousins did a very good job at thinking of ways to entertain her.

The same day, I was hit with a bad case of vertigo. Because of the extreme dizziness I was flat in bed for eight hours while the rest of the family was running around helping. My daughter had to help me walk to the bed and my husband had to hang on to me when I went to the bathroom.

But I could pray and praise. So I did. I prayed all afternoon and listened to praise music. I had a wonderful time with the Lord. I was just where God wanted me. By evening the medication began to work and I was able to walk in a straight line again.

Some days just don’t turn out the way we plan. God interrupts! And then we have a choice: to accept what He brings our way and be thankful or worry and grouch our way through life and make everyone miserable. Praising is much more satisfactory!

Lord, help us to accept the things we cannot change. Give us the strength to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Prayer Journey

Devotionals — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:03:24 +0000

Have you ever taken the time to evaluate your journey with God?

Are you growing in your love relationship with Him? You may be thinking, “Can you really know if you are growing spiritually?”

Yes, there are ways you can evaluate your spiritual growth. One way is to think through your prayer journey. Are you praying more? Because prayer is talking with God, ask yourself if your communication with Him is getting better.
I encourage you to take the time to think through your prayer journey. The following are some of the elements in my prayer journey that show me if I am growing spiritually:

Trust in His Promises
Am I trusting God and His promises more that I did twelve months ago?

“Up to this time, you have not asked a single thing in my name; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full” (John 16:25).

Ask Specifically
Am I asking for specific things, or do I pray generally? You will recognize when your prayers are answered if you ask specifically.

“For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him. And then helping you do what He wants” (Philippians 2:13).

Intercession
Am I praying for others on a regular basis?

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone” (1Timothy 2:1).

Cultivate a Quiet Heart
Do I have a quiet heart? Panic and peace cannot occupy the same place.

“When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble?” (Job 34:29).

Resting, Trusting, Leaning
Do I trust and rest in God, or do I let circumstances determined my feelings?

“But I have stilled and quieted my soul...” (Psalm 131:2).

Thankfulness, Praise and Worship

“A single grateful thought toward heaven is the most complete prayer.” – Gotthold Lessing

Spiritual Warfare
Do you dress yourself with the armour of God each day?

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 5:12).

Pray Without Ceasing
Talk to God about everything.

“Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

“The real reason for prayer is intimacy with our Father.” – Oswald Chambers

Father, we know You want to have a close, growing relationship with us. Lord, we also want to know You more. Deep within our souls we want to know You. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING:

Articles on How to Talk to God

How to be sure God Listens to your Prayers

How to have a “Quiet Time”

What Should Be Included in Prayer?

Prayer is Talking to God

Praying with Confidence

Foundational Core Truths about Prayer by Sylvia Gunter

The post Prayer Journey appeared first on Thoughts About God.

God is GOOD

Devotionals — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:06:40 +0000

“You are good and what you do is good” Psalm 119:68

God will never run out of goodness. Everything He made (and makes) is good.

“God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).

His creation is filled with His goodness. He made colors so we could enjoy them. He made flowers, mountains, sunrises, sunsets, and a loved one’s smile because He is good. He gave us eyes to see His beautiful creation.

He gave us ears to hear — the birds singing, children laughing, and choirs singing.

“The earth is full of the goodness of God” (Psalm 33:5).

He has given us the ability to taste and enjoy food — fruit, vegetables, meat, bread, and much more.

“The tender mercies of the Lord are over all His works” (Psalm 145:9).

Today, as you reflect on the goodness of God to you, think about this verse,

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men” (Psalm 107:8)!

Often we take God’s goodness for granted. Like children, we think we are entitled to all of His blessings.

Take time today and thank Him for His goodness to you!

Father, thank You for being totally good, that there is no shadow of evil in You! Your goodness is everywhere. Help us become aware of Your goodness and be amazed. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

• How to Fall in Love with Jesus

• Why Know the Father’s Heart

• Salvation Explained

The post God is GOOD appeared first on Thoughts About God.

My Daddy is a Man

Thoughts_About_God — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:03:42 +0000

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise–the fruit of lips that confess his name” (Hebrews 13:15)

Our daughter Val and her family were getting ready to go home. They had spent Halloween evening with us and we had a lot of fun. My husband set up a game of croquet downstairs using the legs of the chairs in place of the wire hoops; we watched fireworks and had freshly baked brownies with hot chocolate.

They were ready to go when Bronson, my grandson, announced, “My daddy is a man”

The statement seemed to come right out of the blue, but he communicated much more than the words he spoke. His words and the way he said them said, “I love daddy. I think my daddy is wonderful! I’m so proud of my dad. I am secure and happy because I have a good dad. My daddy is strong and my daddy loves me.”

Yes, he said all these things and more when he looked at us and said, “My daddy is a man.”

What are you communicating to the world about your heavenly Father? Is it praise? Do you complain about how He is treating you? Do the words you use to talk about God tell everyone that you think He is wonderful? Think about it.

Father, give us the grace to communicate to others how very much You love us and how wonderful we think You are. Thank You so much for caring about us. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
used by permission

FURTHER READING